This design flattered my vanity, as it might enable me to shine in so august an assembly.

It flattered a nobler passion: I promised myself that, by the means of this seat, I might one day be the instrument of some good to my country.

But I soon perceived how little mere virtuous inclination, unassisted by talents, could contribute towards that great end, and a very short examination discovered to me that those talents had not fallen to my lot.

Do not, dear sir, impute this declaration to a false modesty--the meanest species of pride.

Whatever else I may be ignorant of, I think I know myself, and shall always endeavour to mention my good qualities without vanity and my defects without repugnance.